I know there are those cynical, jaded types out there that believe discussing emotions publicly is a sign of weakness or something to be ridiculed. I believe, and always have, that being honest is the most courageous thing a person can do in public—with themselves, and with others. If that means wearing your heart on your sleeve, then that’s what it means and it would be dishonest to pretend otherwise.

Many of you have honestly expressed your disagreement with my choice to leave MySpace, stating this would be a victory for them and I would appear weak. I appreciate your honesty and understand that it was because you cared so much that you took the time to express your concerns on my behalf. I am touched by this and love you for that.

There are some things I don’t talk about anymore because I’ve put them behind me and vowed to live as happily as I can. Some of you could probably guess that there is “something” that makes me less able to handle (cyber or otherwise) attacks than some others, even at my ‘mature’ age, to say it kindly ;) Maybe you think I’m unaware of what an easy target that makes me, but I am fully aware, more than you might think.

I’ve been writing seriously for a decade now. I’ve spoken on my blog about the type of honesty it takes to be a good writer. The journey I went on in the beginning was a highly personal one. I uncovered various side effects of my early years I didn’t know existed, and found more lurking I thought I had overcome.

As much as we wish it weren’t so, we are all a product of our environments. When we become adults, we can choose that environment for ourselves, but when we’re young, we simply have to endure. I won’t go into what happened to me when I was a child, and this is not a sob story (I hate pity)—but I’ll simply say that nearly everything horrible that can happen to a child happened to me. I’m not exaggerating. There are those who are in prison, without hope of parole, for what they did to me.

There is no way that I could go through what I did without it effecting who I am today. This might explain to everyone why I was so quick to come to the defense of those I saw unjustly attacked when I was in the groups. However, it was a false belief that I was strong enough to handle something as small as a cyber-bully when I’d survived far worse real-world scum. In the moment, I was okay, but sustained harassment over months was a stress I crumbled beneath—and I own that entirely.

It is a struggle for me, to know when to be involved, when to walk away, and when to say enough is enough. I find that my hesitation to leave a situation for fear of appearing weak or that I’ve given up, makes me stay longer than I should and subject myself to more than I need to.

Between the truth of the matter—that these three men have chosen to prey on my frailties for their entertainment, and the existence of those frailties—and my sincere wish to never be that “good man that does nothing” leaving MySpace is the best decision.

My regret, and the real pain I feel in all of this, is how much I’ve disappointed many of you. My hope is by continuing on with my career, learning as much as possible from this experience, and working toward a more positive and successful online presence, I’ll be able to earn back some of what I’ve lost.

For those of you who won’t be coming with me to Facebook, I want you to know I will miss you and I truly wish you all the very best.

Warmly,
Jenny

 

MySpace is the Trailer Park of social networking on the internet and I'm moving on up!
 
Some of you won’t agree with me, some of you will think I’m crazy, some of you will completely understand. Most of you, however, aren’t aware of everything that has happened.

I have tried to keep my legal action private. I didn’t publicly announce when the Cease & Desist letter was sent, who it was sent to, and what caused it to be sent. I didn’t post the content of that letter either. Had it not announced loudly on MySpace, I wouldn’t be sharing this information now. I want everyone to know, however, I did everything within my power to remain here.

MySpace won’t do a thing about the those who have decided I’m not allowed to participate freely on MySpace. The continued harassment is not anything I want anyone else to be subjected to, especially my teen readers.

This post will probably generate another bout of attacks, but I won't just disappear and have everyone wondering why I left or what happened. The deciding reason I’m leaving is because I refuse to support MySpace with my presence any longer. I have sent copies of the false statements and shared numerable nasty diatribes for more than a year and they state it is within the bounds of their terms of service.

How can I, in all good conscious, invite friends and family here, or teen readers, if the below is considered well within the bounds of their terms of service?

Hey crack head, get it through your fucking moronic skull...

I posted your blog, you tool.

Take your pandering attitude and stick it up your ass.

Go enable your young writer’s to fail and siphon money from them. Jenny Fine

You are a freaking book doctor for christ’s sake! LMAO! I have seen street card sharks with more integrity!

I should have seen the yellow streak, or smelled the rotting hole where your integrity should have been.

HA! May I wipe my ass, of great Queen Jenny?

Of course that’s not everything, it doesn’t even include the threats of physical violence or how every thread I created was hijacked to harass me but it’s a good sampling of the sort of behavior MySpace finds acceptable. Because of this, and because I am a Young Adult author, I find that I cannot remain here and encourage other young men and women to belong here either.

Never fear, I am not leaving the internet! As I said, I'm moving on up! :) I will be at Facebook and am working now to set up what needs setting up in order to transfer all this over there. I’ll also be hosting my blog at http://jr-turner.blogspot.com/

If MySpace didn’t believe such things were within their terms of service, and if the moderators of the forums were less proud of the number of members they have and cared more about the content of their groups, I would stay. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Stay tuned during the rest of the week for more information about what will be happening and when.

Warmly,
Jenny

P.S. For those of you who were scheduled to be hosted on my blog, the time and date haven't changed, just the location--to the blogspot.com address above :)

Good Morning everyone! Ron Adams is our special guest today! Let’s make him feel especially warm and welcome :)

Ron Adams is a detective fiction author and the creator of the Joe Banks PI series. He grew up in Randolph, MA but now calls Buffalo and Western New York home. He’s married to the love his life, Trish and they have two fantastic kids. He’s a huge fan of Robert B. Parker, Raymond Chandler, Harlan Coben, and Kathy Reichs. In his spare time he’s an avid sports fan, frustrated guitarist, and loves muscle cars from the 60s and 70s.

His new novel, “Key Lime Squeeze,” is the second book in the Joe Banks series. Mob Princess Angela Boothby wants her husband back and P.I. Banks heads to the Keys to find him. He learns people aren’t just missing his charm.

Watch the video trailer here:

Ron has been especially kind to offer his time and some writing advice.

The Three P’s of Writing

I have had an occasion recently to witness the turmoil of some writers and publishers when things don’t go according to plan. It was a sad thing to watch, and I am grateful to have maintained good working relationships with all the parties involved. I offer, therefore, some assistance for the new, budding, aspiring, frustrated writer still working on getting their masterpiece into the hands of the readers. Please take it for what it is, and I hope these tips can be of some help. I call these the three P’s of writing.

1. PROFESSIONAL – First and foremost, writing and writing well is an art form, one which most of us have invested our hearts and souls in. But publishing is a business. It is a for profit enterprise where the writer must learn to become the best business person they can be, and be willing to approach it in a professional manner. Life is not fair, and the business world is not fair, either. Approach every interaction with your agent and editors in a straightforward, respectful, and professional manner, and most of the time it will be returned in kind. Not always, mind you, but you will be better served in that approach in the long run.

2. POSITIVE- Remain as positive as possible in all your dealings with your agent, editor and publisher. Adopt a can-do/will-do attitude towards all interactions. Be willing to listen to those that may have more expertise, and offer what expertise you can bring in a positive, constructive manner.. A problem solver is easier to work with than a problem bringer.

3. PHILOSOPHICAL – A while back, a friend of mine got me and my wife involved in a network marketing business. Yeah, I know, but I did learn a valuable lesson. They have a philosophy of some-will-some-won’t-so-what in regards to their business. Not the worst approach to take to this business. When going through the process of promotion and building your writing career, listen to those you believe in and trust, listen to the experts, and remember some things will work, some things won’t. So what. Doing is better than not doing, trying is more productive than not trying.

Visit him on the web here:

www.ronaldwadams.blogspot.com

www.shadowsandnight.blogspot.com 

www.ronaldwadams.com

www.myspace.com/rwadams

Purchsase the first in the series "Lake Effect" at Barnes and Noble here:


 

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Lake-Effect/Ronald-W-Adams/e/9781592867455/?itm=1 (copy and paste the link if disabled)

Good morning everyone ;)

I hope everyone had a fabulous Mother’s Day! I spent the day off the computer, getting all my spring planting started for the vegetable and flower gardens. I enjoyed a wonderful day with friends and family and I hope it was the same for you :)

Okay, I’m announcing the winner and sharing what’s coming up this week in this Monday blog ;) Let’s start with the announcement:

Using the “Random Number Picker” found at this site:

http://andrew.hedges.name/experiments/random/original.html

Here is the screen shot of the results:

I am pleased to announce that Rhavaniel, who is the 11^th person who posted a quote on my blog, is the winner! Yay Rhavaniel!! Congrats! ;) You’ll have to let me know which prize you would like;)

Now, on to the week’s schedule:

Talent Tuesday: Tomorrow I have mystery author Ron Adams coming to chat about his new release in the Joe Banks P.I. series, “Key Lime Squeeze.” I’m excited to have him here and I hope y’all will come out and give him a warm welcome! ;) He’s also generously offered to have one lucky winner receive a copy of “Key Lime Squeeze” as a prize!

Writing Wednesday: We will be discussing the industry and the different roles different people play. Considering the misinformation about book doctors, editors, agents and other pros in the industry being bandied about MySpace recently, I think this is a good time to help you make informed decisions about your career.

Thrilling Thursday: Since I got totally carried away with the movies coming out this summer, I thought we’d do the topic I had planned for last Thursday: Ripley’s Believe it or Not—Odd but true tales that gives us chills and thrills! ;)

Fun Friday Contest: Still working on a VERY special contest here, so stay tuned. It might happen this week! ;)

Have a great week everyone and congratulations again, Rhavaniel!! ;)

Warmly,

Jenny:)

Shane Moore has claimed that members of Real Writers Real People told him that I bilked them for hundreds of dollars through a book doctoring service and that I preyed on those who had been scammed by Publish America.

Good Morning everyone! :)

Good Morning everyone! J

As promised, we will announce the winner of “The Frugal Editor” by Carolyn Howard-Johnson this morning! Carolyn, you were so wonderful to take time out of your busy schedule to hang out with us yesterday. Thank you so much for treating the blog readers to a great day!

To do this as fairly as possible, I counted the number of individuals participating (excluding Carolyn and myself ;) ) and put that count (7) into a random number generator found here:

http://illuminations.nctm.org/activitydetail.aspx?id=67

The device drew number 6—which means Laura Hyatt is the winner! Yay!!! :)

Congrats, Laura! Please send me an email address where you can receive your free copy of “The Frugal Editor” from Carolyn ;) Celebrate with some chocolate!

Okay, on to Writing Wednesday! :)

Self Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King is one of my favorite all time how-to books on the craft of writing. Rather than describing what was in the book, I figured we could do a Random Act of Wisdom.

Using Amazon.com’s “search inside” tool, I selected “surprise me” and it opened to Dialogue Mechanics, page 51:

“Perhaps it’s a lack of confidence on the writer’s part, perhaps it’s simple laziness, or perhaps it’s a misguided attempt to break up the monotony of using “said” all the time (more about that in a minute,) but all too many fiction writers tend to pepper their dialogue with –lys.

Which is a good reason to cut virtually every one you write. Ly adverbs almost always catch the author in the act of explaining the dialogue—smuggling emotions into speaker attributions that belong in the dialogue itself. Again, if your dialogue doesn’t need the props, putting the props in will make it seem weak even though it isn’t.

There are a few exceptions to this principle—almost all of the adverbs that actually modify the verb ‘said,” such as “he said softly” or “she said clearly.” After all, you don’t say something grimly in the same sense that you say something softly. The grimness comes across more by what you say and do through word choice, body language, context—than by how you say it. Again there are as many ways to be grim as there are people, and when you write “he said grimly,” what you are rally saying is, “he said this, and he felt pretty grim about it.” You need to show the grimness, to show what your character does that makes him seem grim.”

So let’s give this a whirl. Can you show a sentence of dialogue and a sentence for the tag that conveys a character being grim? I’ll give it a whirl later on today, but I’m truly looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with.

Some hints to help you:

What challenges do we face in life that makes us grim? The prospect of a very unpleasant event (funerals, death of a loved one) does that for me, but what about a lazy person (work) or a vain person (growing old?)

When we, or our friends and family, or characters exhibit grimness—how does that manifest in body language or physical sensation?

What happens to our voice?

This is how a writer thinks and it’s less analytical than it is observational and empathetic. If you’re having a difficult time conveying grimness, choose another emotion that you would like to explore, but remember: convey it through one sentence of dialogue and one sentence of activity following. (In other words, drop the he/she said part ;))

Hope these hints are inspiring to you and I can’t wait to see what y’all come up with!

Warmly,

Jenny:)

Good Morning everyone!

I'm especially hopeful that I don't mess up today's blogpost because Carolyn is a phenomenal editor and has been supporting authors for years with her warmth and insightful advice, delivered ala her newsletter.

Please make her feel fabulously welcome! If you EVER wanted to pick an editor's brain--this is your chance! :) Besides, you don't want to miss your chance to win a free download of The Frugal Editor, do you??

Now on with the show :)



 

Why You -- Yes, You Who Aced English -- Need an Editor

and

Why Editing -- Yes, EDITING -- Is Part of Your Marketing Strategy

Excerpted from the Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the HowToDoItFrugally series

(www.HowToDoItFrugally.com)

"Publishers -- even traditional publishers -- do not want to edit anymore; they want to print a 99.9 percent finished product directly from the author. It's a cost-cutting thing. Many publishers can't afford to give your book that attention they once did." ~ Leora Krygier, twice-published literary author reviewed in the likes of Newsweek and featured on Connie Martinson Talks Books.

Just as I was finishing the Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success, Poets & Writers published Peter Selfin's "Confessions of a Cranky Lit-Mag Editor." It was a kind of mini-rant on how authors influence editors negatively with minor (and not-so-minor) errors. He tells of one author who informs him in her cover letter that she has published three stories in the New Yorker and then "blunders into her essay with 'Growing up, there were two types of food in my family.'" He says it "reads like very sloppy editing" and goes on to reject the piece. (By the way, one of my readers with a master's degree could not identify the error here. If you can't, you will be able to by the time you've finished the section in the Frugal Editor where I talk about dangling participles. If you can't wait, use the Frugal Editor's index to find dangling participles to research this serious grammatical error now.)

The first lesson here for is that attention to detail and craft counts, and that even experienced writers can flub an opportunity if they don't pay attention to that last great step toward publishing, a good edit. Any author who had recently refreshed her understanding of participles by reading the Frugal Editor would not have dangled hers. At least, not that conspicuously. The second is that a flubbed opportunity like this doesn't say much good about you and, if flubs are made frequently, may brand you as a nonprofessional. 

Perfection is not possible. Even Editor Selfin admits he overlooks a mistake or two if the writer's voice captures his interest. With better editing we can guard against humiliation and in the process increase our chances for publication.

Leading a horse to water and other all-wet ideas about editing


 
 

In the Frugal Book Promoter I talk about branding. In that book, I felt a need to convince authors that sales, marketing and promotion are not dirty words, that we are participating in these disciplines every day when we brush our teeth and choose the proper clothing for whatever occasions loom on that day's calendar.

I don't need to convince most authors to be cautious about errors. There are so many writers who are so uptight about a typo creeping into their copy that their fear contributes to nightmares or at least to writer's block. Thus, the Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success is an easy sell.

Where my job becomes difficult is in convincing writers that they need an editor--a real editor, an editor with credentials--before they begin to submit. Because I am also Frugal, I recognize that my tendency to avoid spending money for something that will probably be done by someone else anyway may well exist in other writers.

I know that many writers will nod their heads and then attempt the publishing process without an editor, even though they may have had the best intentions when they were agreeing with me.

I am also aware (because I hang out with writers of all kinds) that authors fear the sharp pencil point of an editor. These are usually new writers who are convinced that an editor will make their work into something other than what it is or will change it beyond recognition. I want to assure these writers that a good editor won't do that. A good editor will help a writer find her voice, remain true to it and still move the manuscript from a rough rock to a polished gemstone.

I agree that it is no fun to encounter unexpected flaws in one's book. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have written a book on editing. However, mistakes in a writer's query letters, cover letters and book proposals can be more deadly than those in a manuscript. It is in these documents that editing failures can doom your entire book to failure. You and the quality of your book idea will be judged on these first contacts with agents, publishers, editors, and producers as surely as you would be judged at a board meeting if you left rats' nests in your hair that morning.

In the Frugal Editor I approach the editing process of every document as if it were a manuscript. It is easier to edit the much shorter introductions (queries, cover letters and proposals) that are being sent to the people who have the power to accept or reject your work, but the processes used are approximately the same. It is only a matter of degree between a full manuscript and your one-page query letter. So adapt the guidelines in the Frugal Editor. You, and only you, know where your strengths and weaknesses lie. You will know where to abbreviate or eliminate steps for these shorties, and for more intricate efforts (say an academic thesis) you may want to expand on the processes I suggest. In order to get the best possible results from you initial contact with gatekeepers, you may also want to read Terry Whalin's (www.webmarketingmargic.com/app/?af=615838)  book, Book Proposals That Sell, on writing proposals.

You probably already know that gremlins--very clever guys bent on your destruction--are at work during the entire publishing process. You fight them with a vengeance, with every ounce of writing craft and publishing knowledge that exists in your body. If, however, a typo or grammar error slips through the careful net you cast for them, please don't lose any sleep. It will happen to every writer somewhere along his or her career path. Instead, be patient with yourself. And while you're at it, if you see an error in someone else's work, give the writer (and the publisher!) the benefit of the doubt. It's all about Karma. We're all fighting the same gremlins here.

Many mistakenly use the word editing synonymously with finding typos. I worry that the Frugal Editor may contribute to that notion because it does not address essential elements of the writing craft like character development, setting or structure. Those are topics of their own. Reworking these aspects of writing really constitutes revision, not editing. Many complete books cover each of them thoroughly. For me to attempt to stipulate everything a polished manuscript needs would be impossible in one book. To cover revision topics briefly and then abandon the writer to struggle with incomplete understanding would not be in her or his best interest. Therefore, I merely mention that your final draft should take these writing fundamentals into consideration because I can't assume that all authors will have undertaken revision before they move into editing. So, please, before you begin your editing process, review the larger elements of your craft. Experienced writers can approach this with the expectation that they may need only to fine-tune one or two elements of their books, but even minor learning curves are journeys worth taking. Suggested reading for things like the niceties of dialogue (Writing Dialogue by Tom Chiarella), are included in the appendixes.

I include some grammar guidelines. You can tell these are not meant to be complete. I chose them because they are mistakes that many experienced writers (and editors) miss. I threw in a few of the ones that most writers understand but inadvertently make because when a writer does let them creep into her work, they are more noxious to my editing sensibility than the average error. I expect that when I mention some you already know, it will remind you not to backslide. It may even prompt you to check your references for more advanced information on those subjects.

I want you to learn from the Frugal Editor just as I learned from writing it, but I'd also like you to enjoy the editing challenge, the process itself. Pretend the task before you is a puzzle. It's work. It's detail-oriented work. But it can be fun.  When you're done, please still hire an editor, especially if you are self- or subsidy-publishing. Books like Dee and Brian's The Publishing Primer ( http://www.brianhillanddeepower.com/get-your-book-published.html) can help you with that process.  The Frugal Editor will tell you how to find a great editor, one that will work for the betterment of your book, and avoid the scams. 

-----

Carolyn Howard-Johnson is an instructor for UCLA Extension's world-renowned Writers' Program and was awarded Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment by members of the California Legislature.  The Frugal Editor is second in the HowToDoItFrugally series (www.HowToDoItFrugally.com) after The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't, USA Book News' Best Professional Book and winner of the Irwin Award. Learn more at www.HowToDoItFrugally.com

 


 
The Perfect Mother's Day Gift!

She Wore Emerald Then: Reflections on Motherhood is available both digitally (for greenies who want to save paper, postage and airline fuel) and as a lovely to have-and-hold book for those who still have room in their hearts only for the real thing. And the book is still no more expensive than some of the fancier Mom's Day cards! Find it at 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1438263791?tag=howtodoitfrug-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1438263791&adid=1J4KPW2RD7Z45B1207XP&

And the winner is:

(You'll need to let me know which of the 4-packs you wanted: Mystery, Romance or Writing :) )

Yesterday we had a wonderful 10K Day where everyone met their goals! YAY! I love working with other writers like this, it makes the process so much more enjoyable when you can cheer others on and be cheered on yourself by others! ;) I hope y’all will consider doing this (again?) next time around. It really is a blast and a wonderful way to spend the day!

Upcoming for this fabulous week:

Talent Tuesday: We’ll be featuring Carolyn Howard-Johnson, an awesomely talented and wonderful lady who is offering a free download of her book “The Frugal Editor” during the day, so tune in early to be eligible to win this great writer’s tool!

Writing Wednesday: Ever post work for critique and immediately see a number of errors AFTER you worked so hard to make it perfect? I have and it truly bites! Going with Tuesday’s theme, this one will be all about self-editing and how you can hone your skills to catch those pesky mistakes that slip by you all too often.

Thrilling Thursday: Get ready, get set, get twisted! We’ll be talking about odd but true tales—from people who survived against the odds to fish raining from the heavens. It’s a Ripley’s Believe it Or Not day—so come armed with the unnatural! ;)

Friday Fun Contest: This is one I’ve been trying to put together for a few weeks now, so I’m hoping it will pan out! You’ll have to tune in to find out ;)

Hope everyone has a fabulous Monday! :)

Warmly,
Jenny:)